Dan's Papers - June 29, 2007 - A Guide to East End 4th of July Fireworks

I'm not going to lie -- I sort of hate fireworks. I guess I'm not supposed to say that in the Fourth of July issue, but I don't lie to my readers. For starters, they're unbearably loud. They surprise you, also you're calming down after the bombastic red, white and blue explosion when, all of the sudden, there are mini BAMS! on your right and left, with white light shining all over the place. You don't know where to look or what to expect next -- the patterns, colors and volume of fireworks are all seemingly sporadic, building up to an explosive finale.

But despite my alleged dislike for the ostensibly patriotic bursts of light, I have never gone a year without watching them. Every Fourth of July, I gather around somewhere with my fellow Americans and strain my neck, watching what is essentially a festive bomb in super-fun colors go off above me. So, I suppose, there actually is something enjoyable about gazing at the sky and letting the sounds reverberate in your eardrums as you watch the manmade lightshow. Even my "Type A" self, despite my complaining, gets some sort of thrill or even an inexplicable calm celebrating my country with outdoor barbeques and, yes, big bangs from above.

In early July, convivial firework shows are unavoidable in the Hamptons. The first of these occurs at the Southampton Fresh Air Home benefit -- the Annual American Picnic with Grucci Fireworks Benefit Party -- at 1030 Meadow Lane on June 29 from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $250 for adults, $100 for juniors and $75 for ages 19 and under. This fundraising benefit on the beach offers carnival games and activities for guests of all ages. A picnic dinner is served and the evening's grand finale is an orchestrated fireworks display by Grucci Fireworks over Shinnecock Bay. Call (631) 283-5847 for more information.

On June 30 and July 3, the North Sea Fire Department is having a carnival with rides, food and games as well as a fireworks display at Fireman's Field in North Sea from 7 to 11 p.m. Call (631) 283-0402 for more information.

On the big day itself -- Independence Day, July 4 -- one can catch a fireworks display in Greenport at the Polo Grounds on Main Road. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. and summer carnival rides and games are within walking distance of the Greenport waterfront. Call (631) 765-3161 for more information. On the other end of the East End, the fireworks display begins at 9 p.m. at Umbrella Beach in Montauk. Call (631) 668-2428 for more information.

The next weekend is even more popular for fireworks. On July 7, fireworks will be displayed over the Sag Harbor Wharf, beginning at 9:30 p.m. with a rain date scheduled for July 8. The show will be visible from the public Marine Park waterfront area. Cars usually park all throughout downtown Sag Harbor and the surrounding blocks to enjoy the show (a lucky few will get an outdoor seat at Sen to catch the show with accompanying sushi). Over in Amangansett, on July 7, the Devon Yacht Club on Devon Road will set off their own fireworks display and even nonmembers can enjoy the show in the sky (from outside the club, that is). Meanwhile those stuck on Shelter Island can catch the annual fireworks display on Crescent Beach beginning at 9:30 p.m. with a rain date scheduled for July 8. Call (631) 749-0399 for more information.

Grucci Fireworks are at work again on July 14 for the Fundacion Amistad benefit at Three Mile Harbor in East Hampton. Tickets are required and the money goes to various charities. For more information call (646) 723-1416. Even later in the summer, on August 1, it isn't too late to catch a final fireworks display. At East Hamptons' Main Beach, fireworks will commence at nightfall. For more information call (631) 324-0362.

Make sure to confirm that the fireworks are taking place before heading over to your designated location, as the shows may be subject to change. With so many opportunities to catch an exciting show, even I will be watching the stars on one of these nights, waiting for explosions in the sky.